Bobcat Calling Primer
By Tim Titus
"I've got two coyotes coming from across the draw." Carl whispered from the far side of the big boulder we flanked. Moments later, a bobcat appeared on top of the rimrock. "Cat," I whispered back. Even though this was Carl's hunt, he unselfishly told me to forget about the coyotes and take the 'cat. Like molasses I slowly adjusted my rifle and bipod for the steep uphill shot and the big bobcat disappeared at the shot. There was little doubt it was down but it was well after dark before I worked my way to a break in the rim and got to him, a big male that would bring some serious change at the fur auction.
Another day my son Ben and I made a stand that could have been as productive for coyotes as for bobcats. This time I was the one watching downhill for coyotes while Ben watched the rim for 'cats. Several minutes into the stand, Ben shot. A couple of minutes later another shot rang out. I gave the stand a few more minutes but curiosity got the best of me and I went to see what the shooting was about.
As I approached Ben, the smile on his face betrayed the fact that he had scored. "Dog or 'cat?", I ask. "Cats," Ben responds, "Two of them!" The retrieval was a little hairy but Ben had an extremely rare double on bobcats! He killed a nice coyote two stands later and, almost miraculously, the very next stand after the coyote, Ben and I doubled again on bobcats. Four bobcats in one day might not be highly unusual in Texas but it's unheard of in the Northwest. I joke that we should have gone to town to buy lottery tickets!
Bobcats are special. Their unique fur is sought after for the beautiful spotted belly. The hair is like silk. They are an amazing trophy and currently one of the highest value furs in North America. Bobcats are also unique in other characteristics that affect the way a hunter pursues them. The coyote hunter must make adjustments based on bobcat biology, physiology and psychology to increase his success on 'cats. And, since we're going to school, we'll add some geography to the mix also.
Geographically, the bobcat is spread across much of the US and Canada. There are few states where a caller cannot pursue 'cats. State laws vary in the level of protection afforded the bobcat. Check your local game regulations to ensure you are within the laws for your state.
Biology
Biologically, fur quality varies depending on latitude. Bobcat pelts prime much more slowly than those of coyotes. In my home state of Oregon the season opens the first of December but pelt quality increases into February. The fur of the bobcat is silky and has no guard hair therefore it doesn't rub like coyotes. There is no concern about pelt quality reduction as the winter progresses.
So, what adjustments should the coyote hunter make when targeting 'cats? The first is changing locales. Even though their distribution is large, bobcats are not as numerous as coyotes. It may seem obvious but if you want to call 'cats, you need to be within earshot of 'cats. Scouting and experience will tell you where to go. Scat and tracks help identify bobcat areas.
Bobcat scat is similar to coyote but more segmented, like a Tootsie Roll. The ends of the scat are more blunt than that of a coyote's as well. Bobcat may cover their scat and many times will use sandy areas for their "cat box". Check road culverts where loose soil has accumulated for 'cat scat. Tracks show no claw marks. Their retractable claws leave no marks. Bobcat tracks are more round in shape than those of the coyote.
By Tim Titus
"I've got two coyotes coming from across the draw." Carl whispered from the far side of the big boulder we flanked. Moments later, a bobcat appeared on top of the rimrock. "Cat," I whispered back. Even though this was Carl's hunt, he unselfishly told me to forget about the coyotes and take the 'cat. Like molasses I slowly adjusted my rifle and bipod for the steep uphill shot and the big bobcat disappeared at the shot. There was little doubt it was down but it was well after dark before I worked my way to a break in the rim and got to him, a big male that would bring some serious change at the fur auction.
Another day my son Ben and I made a stand that could have been as productive for coyotes as for bobcats. This time I was the one watching downhill for coyotes while Ben watched the rim for 'cats. Several minutes into the stand, Ben shot. A couple of minutes later another shot rang out. I gave the stand a few more minutes but curiosity got the best of me and I went to see what the shooting was about.
As I approached Ben, the smile on his face betrayed the fact that he had scored. "Dog or 'cat?", I ask. "Cats," Ben responds, "Two of them!" The retrieval was a little hairy but Ben had an extremely rare double on bobcats! He killed a nice coyote two stands later and, almost miraculously, the very next stand after the coyote, Ben and I doubled again on bobcats. Four bobcats in one day might not be highly unusual in Texas but it's unheard of in the Northwest. I joke that we should have gone to town to buy lottery tickets!
Bobcats are special. Their unique fur is sought after for the beautiful spotted belly. The hair is like silk. They are an amazing trophy and currently one of the highest value furs in North America. Bobcats are also unique in other characteristics that affect the way a hunter pursues them. The coyote hunter must make adjustments based on bobcat biology, physiology and psychology to increase his success on 'cats. And, since we're going to school, we'll add some geography to the mix also.
Geographically, the bobcat is spread across much of the US and Canada. There are few states where a caller cannot pursue 'cats. State laws vary in the level of protection afforded the bobcat. Check your local game regulations to ensure you are within the laws for your state.
Biology
Biologically, fur quality varies depending on latitude. Bobcat pelts prime much more slowly than those of coyotes. In my home state of Oregon the season opens the first of December but pelt quality increases into February. The fur of the bobcat is silky and has no guard hair therefore it doesn't rub like coyotes. There is no concern about pelt quality reduction as the winter progresses.
So, what adjustments should the coyote hunter make when targeting 'cats? The first is changing locales. Even though their distribution is large, bobcats are not as numerous as coyotes. It may seem obvious but if you want to call 'cats, you need to be within earshot of 'cats. Scouting and experience will tell you where to go. Scat and tracks help identify bobcat areas.
Bobcat scat is similar to coyote but more segmented, like a Tootsie Roll. The ends of the scat are more blunt than that of a coyote's as well. Bobcat may cover their scat and many times will use sandy areas for their "cat box". Check road culverts where loose soil has accumulated for 'cat scat. Tracks show no claw marks. Their retractable claws leave no marks. Bobcat tracks are more round in shape than those of the coyote.
Bobcat Calling Primer
Bobcat like brush and many times will gravitate to rocky areas. However, a trapper once told me that the biggest 'cats are out on the flats. They have little fear of running into a coyote.
Because bobcats have amazing natural camouflage, optics are of greater advantage while calling bobcats than when targeting coyotes. At a minimum, scan the area at the end of the stand. Bobcats are famous for appearing out of nowhere. Binoculars help pick out the bobcat's head as it sits studying the area from which the call is originating. Be very careful to move slowly while deploying the binoculars and while scanning. More on this later.
Night hunting, where legal, can help a hunter overcome the incredible camouflage of the bobcat. The glowing eyes give their presence away even in heavier cover and since the 'cats are hunting the night shift, they may respond easier. Ensure you have a sufficient shooting light to make a positive identification before the shot. Huge gains in light technology continue to benefit the nighttime caller.
The second adjustment the coyote hunter needs to make is the length of his or her stands.
Psychology
Psychologically, bobcats are not as bold as coyotes (although, big, dominant 'cats won't necessarily follow this trend). Like a housecat, bobcats stalk their prey. Because of this, bobcat stands need to be longer than coyote stands.
A friend of mine regularly stays on stand for up to an hour and a half. My patience won't stand that but I will extend the time on stand when in bobcat country. I've found that when calling rimrock country, 'cats will usually show up on the top of the rim within a reasonable amount of time. If the 'cat must respond all the way to your call before you're able to see it, give them more time. They may cut the initial distance quickly then slow as they make the final stalk on the "prey". You may find it helpful to use a seat or cushion to stay comfortable allowing you to remain still during extended stands.
Bobcats also tend to have a little ADD so "busier" sounds may work better at keeping their attention. Bird sounds and cottontail sounds may be more effective on your 'cat stands. For the same reason, I run my caller continuously. I also change sounds more often when calling bobcat. Coyotes are intimidating to most bobcats so avoid coyote vocalizations when calling in 'cat country.
Finally, bobcats seem to have no "call memory". It's been said that a bobcat which is shot at and missed may be called back an hour later with the same exact sound. It's extremely unlikely a coyote would be fooled again so easily.
The largest adjustment the coyote caller needs to make when hunting bobcats has to do with the bobcat's senses.
Physiology
Physiologically, a quick look at the characteristics of the bobcat gives a clue to this. The cat's nose is much shorter than the coyote's. This hints at the sensory priorities of the animals. That long snout of the coyote houses many more scent receptors than the bobcat's short nose. You will never completely fool a coyote's nose. Cats, on the other hand, seem to pay little attention to scent. Bobcats can be called from straight downwind giving the hunter much more flexibility in bobcat stand selection. The bobcat's nose may not be an issue for the predator caller, but the eyes are another story and the reason for the next adjustment.
To be an effective bobcat caller, a hunter must understand the visual perceptiveness of the bobcats. This is important on multiple levels. If a coyote's nose can never be fooled, the same may be said for a bobcat's eyes, at least where movement is concerned. Concealment is critical. (See my article "Camouflage, Concealment and Coyotes" in the December 2012 issue of Long Range Hunting magazine.
(http://www.longrangehunting.com/articles/coyote-camouflage-1.php ) Good concealment and slow movement cannot be overemphasized when calling bobcats. Bobcats may not compare in intelligence to a coyote but their eyes are amazing.
All the rules of concealment when calling coyotes pertain to bobcats in spades. Set in front of something to break up your outline. Sit in the shade whenever possible. Keep the sun behind you. Cover your hands and face as well as anything shiny on your firearm and equipment. Of all these things movement is by far the most critical. As with coyotes, it's not necessary to remain completely motionless but your movements must be slooooow.
Because bobcats have amazing natural camouflage, optics are of greater advantage while calling bobcats than when targeting coyotes. At a minimum, scan the area at the end of the stand. Bobcats are famous for appearing out of nowhere. Binoculars help pick out the bobcat's head as it sits studying the area from which the call is originating. Be very careful to move slowly while deploying the binoculars and while scanning. More on this later.
Night hunting, where legal, can help a hunter overcome the incredible camouflage of the bobcat. The glowing eyes give their presence away even in heavier cover and since the 'cats are hunting the night shift, they may respond easier. Ensure you have a sufficient shooting light to make a positive identification before the shot. Huge gains in light technology continue to benefit the nighttime caller.
The second adjustment the coyote hunter needs to make is the length of his or her stands.
Psychology
Psychologically, bobcats are not as bold as coyotes (although, big, dominant 'cats won't necessarily follow this trend). Like a housecat, bobcats stalk their prey. Because of this, bobcat stands need to be longer than coyote stands.
A friend of mine regularly stays on stand for up to an hour and a half. My patience won't stand that but I will extend the time on stand when in bobcat country. I've found that when calling rimrock country, 'cats will usually show up on the top of the rim within a reasonable amount of time. If the 'cat must respond all the way to your call before you're able to see it, give them more time. They may cut the initial distance quickly then slow as they make the final stalk on the "prey". You may find it helpful to use a seat or cushion to stay comfortable allowing you to remain still during extended stands.
Bobcats also tend to have a little ADD so "busier" sounds may work better at keeping their attention. Bird sounds and cottontail sounds may be more effective on your 'cat stands. For the same reason, I run my caller continuously. I also change sounds more often when calling bobcat. Coyotes are intimidating to most bobcats so avoid coyote vocalizations when calling in 'cat country.
Finally, bobcats seem to have no "call memory". It's been said that a bobcat which is shot at and missed may be called back an hour later with the same exact sound. It's extremely unlikely a coyote would be fooled again so easily.
The largest adjustment the coyote caller needs to make when hunting bobcats has to do with the bobcat's senses.
Physiology
Physiologically, a quick look at the characteristics of the bobcat gives a clue to this. The cat's nose is much shorter than the coyote's. This hints at the sensory priorities of the animals. That long snout of the coyote houses many more scent receptors than the bobcat's short nose. You will never completely fool a coyote's nose. Cats, on the other hand, seem to pay little attention to scent. Bobcats can be called from straight downwind giving the hunter much more flexibility in bobcat stand selection. The bobcat's nose may not be an issue for the predator caller, but the eyes are another story and the reason for the next adjustment.
To be an effective bobcat caller, a hunter must understand the visual perceptiveness of the bobcats. This is important on multiple levels. If a coyote's nose can never be fooled, the same may be said for a bobcat's eyes, at least where movement is concerned. Concealment is critical. (See my article "Camouflage, Concealment and Coyotes" in the December 2012 issue of Long Range Hunting magazine.
(http://www.longrangehunting.com/articles/coyote-camouflage-1.php ) Good concealment and slow movement cannot be overemphasized when calling bobcats. Bobcats may not compare in intelligence to a coyote but their eyes are amazing.
All the rules of concealment when calling coyotes pertain to bobcats in spades. Set in front of something to break up your outline. Sit in the shade whenever possible. Keep the sun behind you. Cover your hands and face as well as anything shiny on your firearm and equipment. Of all these things movement is by far the most critical. As with coyotes, it's not necessary to remain completely motionless but your movements must be slooooow.
Bobcat Calling Primer
My personal move from handcalls to electronic callers was specifically for calling bobcats. My son, Ben, is a very accomplished handcaller but after calling many 'cats that others shot, he had never shot a 'cat himself. The issue was the movement associated with operating the call. The bobcats picked up the motion of his hand as he manipulated the call.
We had one interesting stand on which Ben called a coyote that I shot at the five minute mark. At around fifteen minutes into the stand, a bobcat walked in front of me just six feet from the toes of my boots as it moved away from Ben. It had spotted the motion as he called. I was forced to let the cat move behind some brush before I could raise my rifle. As the 'cat reappeared in the next opening, I finished an interesting coyote/bobcat double.
In coyote hunting, e-calls enable the hunter to sit downwind or crosswind of the caller. This is the greatest advantage of e-calls in coyote hunting. In bobcat calling, electronic callers allow the hunter to remain motionless while on stand. This is the greatest advantage of e-calls in bobcat hunting. As long as additional volume isn't necessary, the e-caller needn't be very expensive. I called my first bobcat using an inexpensive Cass Creek caller that had a small speaker on a 20 foot cord--a dinosaur by today's standards.
Bobcats' visual acuity makes movement critical for the successful bobcat caller. This can be used to the caller's advantage. A motion decoy can capture the 'cat's attention, allowing much more time for scanning and moving the gun into position for a shot. Small, fast, unintimidating decoys such as the MOJO Critter and Super Critter or the Jack series of decoys by Foxpro work excellent. A feather hung from an arrow shaft or limb can also work as a decoy but only if a breeze is present to activate it. My "decoy"on my first successful 'cat stand was a package of M&M's suspended by parachute cord. This is about as low-tech as it gets! I often use a decoy for coyotes but I always use a motion decoy when targeting 'cats.
The bobcat is thinner skinned and less muscular than the coyote. You can save a valuable pelt or trophy by adjusting your fur load.
Holes are a greater issue on bobcat hides than other furbearers. Ryan Custiss of American Hide and Fur Company says that fat sometimes present in the fur of bobcats after sewing bullet holes makes repairs more easily detectable on the finished fur. The last thing a hunter wants is a value-robbing hole in a bobcat hide. Adjust your fur load accordingly.
A lighter bullet may be an advantage to keep it from exiting a 'cat. The 35 grain Berger from a .204 is still my favorite load for 'cats. The .17 calibers with more heavily constructed bullets are also excellent. .22 centerfire calibers with the 50 and 55 grain Hornady V-max or a 50 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip are good bobcat medicine. Keep in mind that the thinner skin, lighter muscle and less developed bone structure of a bobcat's body will not absorb as much bullet energy as will a coyote's body. Bullets can exit a bobcat more easily than a coyote.
Summary
The high fur market has put a tremendous amount of pressure on bobcat populations across the country. Whether you are after bobcats for a trophy or for profit, adjusting your tactics with their biology, psychology and physiology in mind will increase your success substantially. And, since bobcat hunting is much more interesting than school, class is out. The test will happen in the field. Good luck!
Tim Titus has been calling coyotes for 35 years. He lives in the coyote rich country of Southeast Oregon where he and his son spend their winters calling predators and their springs and early summers shooting varmints. Tim owns and operates No Off Season, an on-line predator and varmint hunting store and guiding business. You can check it out at No-Off-Season.com.
We had one interesting stand on which Ben called a coyote that I shot at the five minute mark. At around fifteen minutes into the stand, a bobcat walked in front of me just six feet from the toes of my boots as it moved away from Ben. It had spotted the motion as he called. I was forced to let the cat move behind some brush before I could raise my rifle. As the 'cat reappeared in the next opening, I finished an interesting coyote/bobcat double.
In coyote hunting, e-calls enable the hunter to sit downwind or crosswind of the caller. This is the greatest advantage of e-calls in coyote hunting. In bobcat calling, electronic callers allow the hunter to remain motionless while on stand. This is the greatest advantage of e-calls in bobcat hunting. As long as additional volume isn't necessary, the e-caller needn't be very expensive. I called my first bobcat using an inexpensive Cass Creek caller that had a small speaker on a 20 foot cord--a dinosaur by today's standards.
Bobcats' visual acuity makes movement critical for the successful bobcat caller. This can be used to the caller's advantage. A motion decoy can capture the 'cat's attention, allowing much more time for scanning and moving the gun into position for a shot. Small, fast, unintimidating decoys such as the MOJO Critter and Super Critter or the Jack series of decoys by Foxpro work excellent. A feather hung from an arrow shaft or limb can also work as a decoy but only if a breeze is present to activate it. My "decoy"on my first successful 'cat stand was a package of M&M's suspended by parachute cord. This is about as low-tech as it gets! I often use a decoy for coyotes but I always use a motion decoy when targeting 'cats.
The bobcat is thinner skinned and less muscular than the coyote. You can save a valuable pelt or trophy by adjusting your fur load.
Holes are a greater issue on bobcat hides than other furbearers. Ryan Custiss of American Hide and Fur Company says that fat sometimes present in the fur of bobcats after sewing bullet holes makes repairs more easily detectable on the finished fur. The last thing a hunter wants is a value-robbing hole in a bobcat hide. Adjust your fur load accordingly.
A lighter bullet may be an advantage to keep it from exiting a 'cat. The 35 grain Berger from a .204 is still my favorite load for 'cats. The .17 calibers with more heavily constructed bullets are also excellent. .22 centerfire calibers with the 50 and 55 grain Hornady V-max or a 50 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip are good bobcat medicine. Keep in mind that the thinner skin, lighter muscle and less developed bone structure of a bobcat's body will not absorb as much bullet energy as will a coyote's body. Bullets can exit a bobcat more easily than a coyote.
Summary
The high fur market has put a tremendous amount of pressure on bobcat populations across the country. Whether you are after bobcats for a trophy or for profit, adjusting your tactics with their biology, psychology and physiology in mind will increase your success substantially. And, since bobcat hunting is much more interesting than school, class is out. The test will happen in the field. Good luck!
Tim Titus has been calling coyotes for 35 years. He lives in the coyote rich country of Southeast Oregon where he and his son spend their winters calling predators and their springs and early summers shooting varmints. Tim owns and operates No Off Season, an on-line predator and varmint hunting store and guiding business. You can check it out at No-Off-Season.com.
